Choosing the right swimwear for you - the enduring appeal of the bikini

The bikini turns 70 this year. From itsy bitsy beginnings to structured and scaffolded re-imaginings, it’s undergone quite the transformation since it was unveiled in 1946, says Ciara McDonnell.

The bikini, like lots of other great innovations came about as a result of rivalry between two Parisian clothing designers.

In the summer of 1946, Jaques Heim debuted the Atome – the world’s smallest swimsuit.